ABOUT COMPLINE

Compline (which comes from the Latin word for completion) follows a very ancient format that has been largely unchanged for many centuries. It is simple enough to memorise and it’s familiar rhythm helps to wonderfully settle the mind before sleep. It is a time of quietness and reflection and is best done as the very last thing you do before turning off the lights and going to sleep.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader: God, come to my assistanceAll:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

EXAMINATION OFCONSCIENCE

We are called to have a clear conscience towards God and towards men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask His strength to do better.

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

I confess to God almighty,(and to you my brothers and sisters,)
that I have greatly sinned,
In my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my foolishness,And through my fear.

Almighty God, have mercy upon me.Forgive me all my sins,and deliver me from all evil.Confirm and strengthen me in all goodness,and bring me to life everlasting.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pause for Reflection…

Reader: Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy. Reader: Christ, Have mercy. All:Christ, have mercy. Reader: Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 23

The Lord the Shepherd of His PeopleA Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil;My cup runs over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the LordForever.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Acts 5:12-16

Many Signs and Wonders Done

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.The people also gathered from the towns round Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

RESPONSORY

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, your word has been fulfilled:My own eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people.A light to reveal you to the nations,and the glory of your people, Israel.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Be present, O God,
And protect us through the silent hours of this night,
So that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,
May rest upon your eternal changelessness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Spirit,
One God, now and forever, Amen

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated to birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance.All:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

AFTERNOON PSALM

Psalm 10

A Song of Confidence in God’s Triumph over Evil

Why do You stand afar off, O Lord?Why do You hide in times of trouble?The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor;Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.

For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire;He blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord.The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;God is in none of his thoughts.

His ways are always prospering;Your judgments are far above, out of his sight;As for all his enemies, he sneers at them.He has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved;I shall never be in adversity.”His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression;Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity.

He sits in the lurking places of the villages;In the secret places he murders the innocent;His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den;He lies in wait to catch the poor;He catches the poor when he draws him into his net.So he crouches, he lies low,That the helpless may fall by his strength.He has said in his heart,“God has forgotten;He hides His face;He will never see.”

Arise, O Lord!O God, lift up Your hand!Do not forget the humble.Why do the wicked renounce God?He has said in his heart,“You will not require an account.”

But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief,To repay it by Your hand.The helpless commits himself to You;You are the helper of the fatherless.Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man;Seek out his wickedness until You find none.

The Lord is King forever and ever;The nations have perished out of His land.Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;You will prepare their heart;You will cause Your ear to hear,To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP (Optional)

All:
(A short time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Nehemiah 8:9-12

This Day Is Holy

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.Then he said to them, “Go on your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.”And all the people went on their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Reader:The Word of the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection……

PRAYER

(Take a moment to bring to God any issues that have arisen during the morning. You may like to end with the following prayer…)

Reader:Lord Jesus, you worked with your hands as a carpenter.
May we who labour upon the earth never cease to give you praise,
And know your loving presence with us.
We ask this for your glory. Amen

GRACE (Optional)

Lord God, we thank you for your gift to us of this food;
Produce of earth, sky, many living beings, and much hard work.

May we eat with prayerfulness, gratitude and moderation;
With renewed minds and spirit-controlled appetites.

May we eat with compassion for those who hunger today,
And in such a way that reduces the suffering of all creatures;
Healing and preserving our precious planet.

Use this food to strengthen our bodies, revive our spirits,
Nurture our family and nourish our resolve;
That we may continue to serve all that lives with all our life. Amen

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated the birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation. Because of that, our intercessions during this period will include prayers for every single nation of the world by name.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
Lord, Open my lips.All:And my mouth will give you praise.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

INVITATORY PSALM:

Psalm 95:1-7 (Venite, exultemus)

All:

A Call to Worship and Obedience

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.For the Lord is the great God,And the great King above all gods.In His hand are the deep places of the earth;The heights of the hills are His also.The sea is His, for He made it;And His hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.For He is our God,And we are the people of His pasture,And the sheep of His hand.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

MORNING PSALM

Psalm 19

The Perfect Revelation of the LordTo the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

The heavens declare the glory of God;And the firmament shows His handiwork.Day unto day utters speech,And night unto night reveals knowledge.There is no speech nor languageWhere their voice is not heard.Their line has gone out through all the earth,And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.Its rising is from one end of heaven,And its circuit to the other end;And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.More to be desired are they than gold,Yea, than much fine gold;Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.Moreover by them Your servant is warned,And in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can understand his errors?Cleanse me from secret faults.Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;Let them not have dominion over me.Then I shall be blameless,And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heartBe acceptable in Your sight,O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

PRAYER & INTERCESSION

Reader:Let us pray for the day and its tasks, for the church and her life, and for the world and its needs.

(You may use these prayers as written or use them as ‘prayer pointers’ for your own spontaneous petitions.

Personal Requests

This is the day that the Lord has made – we shall rejoice and be glad in it! Give us open hearts to receive your grace, open minds to receive your Word and supernatural strength to renew our bodies. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Open our eyes to the lonely, the broken, the troubled and the dispossessed that line our path today. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Open our ears to your Spirit and our resources to those in lack, that we may be providers for the poor and ministers to those you would reach. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Family & Friends

Father of all, we ask for protection over our families and provision for every need. We place them on the altar and ask for your purposes to be fulfilled in their lives. May we be an example of faith, endurance, dedication and grace to those we love. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Bring healing where life has torn us. Bring forgiveness where sin has broken us. Bring restoration where strife has estranged us. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Lord Jesus, we pray for your people of every nation tribe and tongue. Forgive our historical separation, cultural divides and self-seeking ways that have so distorted the face of Christ to the world. Unite us in your love and complete us in your image. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

For the churches in our area. Make your ministers a flame of fire, your churches a light in the darkness and people willing in the Day of your Power. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

For the work of Churches Together and other ecumenical bodies, that your people may be one… – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

The World

Mighty God, we lift to you our broken world and pray today for the country of Laos, one of Asia’s poorest and under-developed nations, relying purely on agriculture and foreign aid to provide. We pray for more of a free market system whereby those in poverty would be paid fairly according to their work. We ask for your justice to reign in this situation. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

We lift up house church leaders who are singled out as targets for persecution. We pray you would empower them to persevere with grace as they await their crown in heaven. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

You came to seek and to save that which was lost and we pray that you would save those caught within the empty practice of Buddhism. In their seeking Lord show your power. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Despite persecution we thank you for the encouraging growth of your church in this nation. May you continue to open eyes and hearts to your power. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

THE LORD’SPRAYER

Reader: And so we pray…

All:Our Father in heaven,Holy is Your Name.Your Kingdom come.Your will be done,On earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespasses,As we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,But deliver us from evil.For yours is the kingdom,The power, and the glory,Forever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL READING

Luke 9:18-22

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.”Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

Jesus Foretells His Death

And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one,saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

Reader:The Word of the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

READING: THE WAY OF CHRIST (Optional)

Conscious of my deep connection with all of creation, and that everything I have is a gift of grace; I seek a heart free from discrimination, judgemental attitudes and personal opinions. As a follower of the Way of Compassion, I sow my heart with seeds of acceptance, forgiveness, grace and mercy.

All:This is The Way of Compassion: The Principle of Non-Discrimination.

Pause for Reflection…

THE APOSTLES CREED

Reader: And so we make our declaration of faith…

All:We believe in God the Father, Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth:And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,Born of the Virgin Mary,Suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, dead, and buried:He descended into the grave;The third day he rose again from the dead;He ascended into heaven,And sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.We believe in the Holy Spirit;The Holy Worldwide Church;The Communion of Saints;The Forgiveness of sins;The Resurrection of the body,And the Life everlasting. Amen.

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Gracious Father,
By the obedience of Jesus
You brought salvation to our wayward world:
Draw us into harmony with your will,
That we may find all things restored in him,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

And may the peace of God enfold us,
The love of God uphold us,
And the wisdom of God control us. Amen.

ABOUT COMPLINE

Compline (which comes from the Latin word for completion) follows a very ancient format that has been largely unchanged for many centuries. It is simple enough to memorise and it’s familiar rhythm helps to wonderfully settle the mind before sleep. It is a time of quietness and reflection and is best done as the very last thing you do before turning off the lights and going to sleep.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader: God, come to my assistanceAll:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

EXAMINATION OFCONSCIENCE

We are called to have a clear conscience towards God and towards men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask His strength to do better.

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

I confess to God almighty,(and to you my brothers and sisters,)
that I have greatly sinned,
In my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my foolishness,And through my fear.

Almighty God, have mercy upon me.Forgive me all my sins,and deliver me from all evil.Confirm and strengthen me in all goodness,and bring me to life everlasting.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pause for Reflection…

Reader: Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy. Reader: Christ, Have mercy. All:Christ, have mercy. Reader: Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 23

The Lord the Shepherd of His PeopleA Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil;My cup runs over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the LordForever.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Acts2:42-47

The Fellowship of the Believers

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.And all who believed were together and had all things in common.And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

RESPONSORY

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, your word has been fulfilled:My own eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people.A light to reveal you to the nations,and the glory of your people, Israel.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Be present, O God,
And protect us through the silent hours of this night,
So that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,
May rest upon your eternal changelessness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Spirit,
One God, now and forever, Amen

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated to birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance.All:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

AFTERNOON PSALM

Psalm 146

The Happiness of Those Whose Help Is the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!While I live I will praise the Lord;I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Do not put your trust in princes,Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;In that very day his plans perish.

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,Whose hope is in the Lord his God,Who made heaven and earth,The sea, and all that is in them;Who keeps truth forever,Who executes justice for the oppressed,Who gives food to the hungry.The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.

The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;The Lord raises those who are bowed down;The Lord loves the righteous.The Lord watches over the strangers;He relieves the fatherless and widow;But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.

The Lord shall reign forever—Your God, O Zion, to all generations.

Praise the Lord!

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP (Optional)

All:
(A short time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Nehemiah 4:1-14

Opposition to the Work

Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews.And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?”Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!”Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives.Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.

So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry.And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.”And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.”At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.”So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

Reader:The Word of the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection……

PRAYER

(Take a moment to bring to God any issues that have arisen during the morning. You may like to end with the following prayer…)

Reader:Lord Jesus, you worked with your hands as a carpenter.
May we who labour upon the earth never cease to give you praise,
And know your loving presence with us.
We ask this for your glory. Amen

GRACE(Optional)

Lord God, we thank you for your gift to us of this food;
Produce of earth, sky, many living beings, and much hard work.

May we eat with prayerfulness, gratitude and moderation;
With renewed minds and spirit-controlled appetites.

May we eat with compassion for those who hunger today,
And in such a way that reduces the suffering of all creatures;
Healing and preserving our precious planet.

Use this food to strengthen our bodies, revive our spirits,
Nurture our family and nourish our resolve;
That we may continue to serve all that lives with all our life. Amen

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated the birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation. Because of that, our intercessions during this period will include prayers for every single nation of the world by name.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
Lord, Open my lips.All:And my mouth will give you praise.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

INVITATORY PSALM:

Psalm 95:1-7 (Venite, exultemus)

All:

A Call to Worship and Obedience

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.For the Lord is the great God,And the great King above all gods.In His hand are the deep places of the earth;The heights of the hills are His also.The sea is His, for He made it;And His hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.For He is our God,And we are the people of His pasture,And the sheep of His hand.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

MORNING PSALM

Psalm 145

A Song of God’s Majesty and LoveA Praise of David.

I will extol You, my God, O King;And I will bless Your name forever and ever.Every day I will bless You,And I will praise Your name forever and ever.Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;And His greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall praise Your works to another,And shall declare Your mighty acts.I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,And on Your wondrous works.Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,And I will declare Your greatness.They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,And shall sing of Your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,Slow to anger and great in mercy.The Lord is good to all,And His tender mercies are over all His works.

All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,And Your saints shall bless You.They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,And talk of Your power,To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord upholds all who fall,And raises up all who are bowed down.The eyes of all look expectantly to You,And You give them their food in due season.You open Your handAnd satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways,Gracious in all His works.The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,To all who call upon Him in truth.He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;He also will hear their cry and save them.The Lord preserves all who love Him,But all the wicked He will destroy.My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,And all flesh shall bless His holy nameForever and ever.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

PRAYER & INTERCESSION

Reader:Let us pray for the day and its tasks, for the church and her life, and for the world and its needs.

(You may use these prayers as written or use them as ‘prayer pointers’ for your own spontaneous petitions.

Personal Requests

This is the day that the Lord has made – we shall rejoice and be glad in it! Give us open hearts to receive your grace, open minds to receive your Word and supernatural strength to renew our bodies. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Open our eyes to the lonely, the broken, the troubled and the dispossessed that line our path today. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Open our ears to your Spirit and our resources to those in lack, that we may be providers for the poor and ministers to those you would reach. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Family & Friends

Father of all, we ask for protection over our families and provision for every need. We place them on the altar and ask for your purposes to be fulfilled in their lives. May we be an example of faith, endurance, dedication and grace to those we love. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Bring healing where life has torn us. Bring forgiveness where sin has broken us. Bring restoration where strife has estranged us. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Lord Jesus, we pray for your people of every nation tribe and tongue. Forgive our historical separation, cultural divides and self-seeking ways that have so distorted the face of Christ to the world. Unite us in your love and complete us in your image. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

For the churches in our area. Make your ministers a flame of fire, your churches a light in the darkness and people willing in the Day of your Power. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

For the work of Churches Together and other ecumenical bodies, that your people may be one… – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

The World

High King of Heaven, we intercede for the peoples of the earth and pray today for the people of Jamaica. We thank you and praise you for this vibrant nation, boasting the highest numbers of churches per square than anywhere in the world! We pray for a revival of your spirit to pour out of your house and into the lives of those who need a saviour. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Eternal Father, bless this land. Cause her to be a nation of influence to those who neighbour her and continue to bring stability to her economy. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Thank you for the partnership between the church and government in an attempt to curb violence and injustice. Bless their connection together and through these works may we see salvation in government. – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

For those innocently caught up in human trafficking and child labour. We break the chains of oppression and captivity and speak freedom into their situation. May they know that if You are for them, who can be against them! – Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

THE LORD’SPRAYER

Reader: And so we pray…

All:Our Father in heaven,Holy is Your Name.Your Kingdom come.Your will be done,On earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespasses,As we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,But deliver us from evil.For yours is the kingdom,The power, and the glory,Forever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL READING

Luke 8:16-18

A Lamp Under a Jar

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

Reader:The Word of the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

READING: THE WAY OF CHRIST (Optional)

Admitting that at best I only see dimly and understand incompletely, I determine to live in unity with my brothers and sisters, maintaining at all times the unity of the spirit. As a follower of the Way of Peace, I will quickly forgive perceived wrongs committed against me, and not allow anger, resentment or unkind words to abide in my heart or on my lips.

All:This is The Way of Peace: The Principle of Harmony Amongst the Saints.

Pause for Reflection…

THE APOSTLES CREED

Reader: And so we make our declaration of faith…

All:We believe in God the Father, Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth:And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,Born of the Virgin Mary,Suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, dead, and buried:He descended into the grave;The third day he rose again from the dead;He ascended into heaven,And sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.We believe in the Holy Spirit;The Holy Worldwide Church;The Communion of Saints;The Forgiveness of sins;The Resurrection of the body,And the Life everlasting. Amen.

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Gracious Father,
By the obedience of Jesus
You brought salvation to our wayward world:
Draw us into harmony with your will,
That we may find all things restored in him,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

And may the peace of God enfold us,
The love of God uphold us,
And the wisdom of God control us. Amen.

ABOUT COMPLINE

Compline (which comes from the Latin word for completion) follows a very ancient format that has been largely unchanged for many centuries. It is simple enough to memorise and it’s familiar rhythm helps to wonderfully settle the mind before sleep. It is a time of quietness and reflection and is best done as the very last thing you do before turning off the lights and going to sleep.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader: God, come to my assistanceAll:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

EXAMINATION OFCONSCIENCE

We are called to have a clear conscience towards God and towards men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask His strength to do better.

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

I confess to God almighty,(and to you my brothers and sisters,)
that I have greatly sinned,
In my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my foolishness,And through my fear.

Almighty God, have mercy upon me.Forgive me all my sins,and deliver me from all evil.Confirm and strengthen me in all goodness,and bring me to life everlasting.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pause for Reflection…

Reader: Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy. Reader: Christ, Have mercy. All:Christ, have mercy. Reader: Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 23

The Lord the Shepherd of His PeopleA Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil;My cup runs over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the LordForever.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Acts 1:1-5

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

RESPONSORY

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, your word has been fulfilled:My own eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people.A light to reveal you to the nations,and the glory of your people, Israel.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Be present, O God,
And protect us through the silent hours of this night,
So that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,
May rest upon your eternal changelessness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Spirit,
One God, now and forever, Amen

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen